Preteen & Teen Programs

Balance school and screen time with nature time!

Teens gain skills and knowledge including survival skills, whittling and bow making, fire kits, local plants, ecosystems and natural history, local watersheds and food sources and processing. We also emphasize compassionate communication, problem solving, group challenges and independent thinking. Self reliance and leadership skills are a natural result of nature connection. Above all we provide inspiring spaces to decompress, reflect, run, climb, dig, laugh, and yell! In nature, less is more.

Hawks Homeschool Skills (Ages 10-15)

Students discover the challenge and inspiration of learning from life through awareness, investigation and play. Every day we explore wild places around our communities and gain awareness, knowledge, self reliance and social skills. Our instructors are skilled naturalists, educators and mentors, facilitating group and independent activities with games, stories, songs and the teachable moments provided by nature.

After School Intermediate Wilderness Skills (Ages 9-14)

“What an amazing opportunity for my child to be totally happy!”Register Now

Dates: January 16 – March 13

Days: Wednesdays

Times: 3:00* – 5:00pm *(new time)

Ages: 9 to 14

Location: Ojai & Ventura

Fee: $202.00

Kids with some wilderness experience might choose to participate in this class that builds on their skills and nature connection. They should have done at least one other Ventura Wild program before, so they are ready to jump into more advanced whittling and building projects, more independent options and more fun! We may go farther and we definitely go deeper into play, discovery and connection. Leadership skills are emphasized and can lead to a youth internship with our younger kid programs and even employment!

Piedre Blanca Night Hike (All ages welcome)

Join us for a lovely 1.5 mile hike to Piedra Blanca (White Rocks) in the Sespe to watch the sunset and the stars come out. We will sing, tell stories and explore. Maybe a game of night sardines or wolf pack. This is a great way to enjoy your family and meet other families.

Our Programs

Mission Statement

Ventura Wild brings children and families into local wild places as a way to rekindle a deep sense of belonging and connection to the natural world. We strive to provide space and time for each child’s unique gifts and interests to blossom through shared adventure, skill development and play. Through nature connection children and families deepen their relationship to self, each other and the planet.